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Animal activity
If your work involves animals, you may need an Animal Activity Licence. This page explains who needs a licence, how to apply, what it costs and what standards you’ll need to meet.
Animal activity licence - what you need to know
Under the Animal Welfare Regulations, certain animal-related businesses need just one licence. This licence covers:
- selling animals as pets
- boarding cats or dogs – including kennels, home boarding, and dog day care
- hiring out horses
- breeding dogs
- keeping or training animals for exhibitions
One licence will cover all animal activities at the same location.
A different licence is required to run a zoo.
Before you apply
Please read the official guidance:
- Animal activities licensing: statutory guidance for local authorities
You also need to read these regulation schedules:
- Schedule 1: Licensable activities
- Schedule 2: General conditions
- Schedule 8: People who cannot apply for a licence
Note: We won’t refund your application fee if you don’t meet the basic requirements.
At the end of the application form, you’ll need to sign a declaration confirming you’ve read the relevant schedules and licence conditions.
Licence fees
Your licence won’t be issued until all fees are paid.
How to apply or renew
To apply or renew your licence:
- Fill out the online application form
- Include a plan of your business and pay the application fee
See: Guidance on drawing an animal activity plan
Make sure you have the right permissions to use your property for this business (e.g. planning permission). Application fees are non-refundable.
Before starting, you’ll be asked to create an account so you can save your progress and track your application.
What happens after you apply
Once we receive your application, we will:
- check if you’re suitable to carry out the activity
- inspect your site to see if it meets the licence conditions
We’ll then decide to approve or refuse your licence. If approved, your licence will last 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on your history and how well you manage animal welfare.
After inspection, your business will get a star rating from 1 to 5, based on welfare standards and risk level
We aim to make a decision within 10 weeks. If your licence is refused, you can appeal in writing within 28 days.
